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About this quote

What does it mean?
Roosevelt lists materialism and comfort-seeking as values that threaten America's future.
In plain terms
America will fail if people only care about money and safety instead of duty.
What can you take from it?
Prioritize duty over comfort and quick wealth to preserve national character.

Where it applies

  • civic education
  • political commentary
  • cultural critique

Putting it to work

  • assessing national health
  • promoting civic virtue

Questions to consider

  • What threatens national character today?
  • Is duty incompatible with safety?

Another view

It risks dismissing legitimate desires for safety and prosperity.

More from Theodore Roosevelt

  1. The reactionary is always willing to take a progressive attitude on any issue that is dead.

    Permalink to quote #125
  2. The unforgivable crime is soft hitting. Do not hit at all if it can be avoided; but never hit softly.

    Permalink to quote #127
  3. The pacifist is as surely a traitor to his country and to humanity as is the most brutal wrongdoer.

    Permalink to quote #124

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